The free public event will combat speech and actions that express irrational fears about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities. It's one of many events across the nation marking LGBT History Month. View a calendar of campus LGBT History Month events in October (PDF).

“We wanted to create space for healthy community collaboration. To highlight the overlap that already exists between the Twin Cities’ big, vibrant, diverse hip-hop scene and big, vibrant, diverse LBGTQ culture,” said Guante. “We wanted to throw fun rap shows that were also explicitly safe spaces for people, no matter how they identify.”

Other artists slated to perform include Toki Wright, Big Cats, See More Perspective, Heidi Barton Stink and Kaoz.

The event is co-sponsored by KVSC 88.1 FM, the University's student-run radio station.

“KVSC plays these artists and supports the Minnesota hip-hop scene that has taken a stand against homophobia, something that is unfortunately present in the commercial hip-hop scene,” said Jo McMullen-Boyer, station manager.

Teaming with KVSC is the LGBT Resource Center, which provides an inclusive and educational environment for students, staff, faculty, alumni, allies and the community at large.

“I believe SCSU students and members of the greater St. Cloud community can expect a thoughtful, inclusive message that challenges the perception of hip-hop,” said Brandon Johnson, LGBT Resource Center director. “In particular, the mainstream hip-hop message that tends to support a homophobic and heterosexist message.”

Hip Hop Against Homophobia is an all-ages concert funded by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.